GRE Words - Abdicate

Abdicate


Part of Speech: Verb

Pronunciation: æb-di-ˌkeɪt

Detailed Meaning:

+ Formal: To formally renounce a high office, throne, or position of power. (This is the most common meaning)
+ General: To give up or abandon a responsibility, duty, or claim.

Synonyms:

+ Renounce
+ Relinquish
+ Step down
+ Resign (for positions)
+ Desert
+ Abandon

Antonyms:

+ Assume (power/responsibility)
+ Seize
+ Usurp
+ Claim
+ Hold onto

Examples in Sentences:

+ Formal: King Edward VIII famously abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry a divorced woman.
+ General: The CEO felt she had to abdicate all responsibility for the project's failure.
+ Non-literal: The company abdicated its commitment to customer service when they stopped offering phone support.

Quiz:

1. Which of the following is NOT a synonym of abdicate?
    + (a) Renounce
    + (b) Seize
    + (c) Relinquish
    + (d) Desert
2. In the sentence "The president refused to abdicate in the face of public pressure," what is the meaning of abdicate?
    + (a) To give a speech
    + (b) To step down from office
    + (c) To increase security
    + (d) To change his mind

Answers:

1. (b) Seize
2. (b) To step down from office